Get a Grip: A Practical Primer on Grip Strength and Endurance Training... and More

Book excerpt: FROM THE AUTHOR'S INTRODUCTION: "This book is intended as a from-the-ground-up primer on grip-strength training. This book makes no assumptions about your current level of fitness or baseline knowledge about training methodologies: the ONLY attribute you need is the desire to get stronger! This book is also intended as a "poor man's guide" to grip strength training. The exercises and methods shown and explained in this book require little, cheap, and/or easy-to-find and/or construct-for-yourself equipment. Many of the exercises I describe in this book can be performed using items you have around the house, and any gadgets I describe can be easily constructed from materials found at any sporting goods and/or hardware store. The contents and conclusions presented in this book are the result of my own training, study, and experience, and that of my coaches, clients, martial arts students. I feel strongly that book presents a safe, efficient, and effective approach to grip strength training. I wish you good luck and good training!" Scott Burr is a graduate of the creative writing program at The Colorado College, where he was co-chair of the Climber's Association of Colorado College (CACC) and head route-setter at the Ritt Kellogg Climbing Gym. A long-time martial artist, Scott holds black belt rank in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Kodokan Judo, and the Korean art of Kuk Sul Do. He has also training extensively in Muay Thai, Boxing, and Submission Grappling, and has trained with and learned from some of the top names in combat sports, including many members of the Gracie Family. Scott is a certified pro fitness trainer under legendary strength & conditioning coach Steve Maxwell. He holds additional MaxwellSC certifications in Kettlebell (Level 1 and 2) and Bodyweight (Level 1 and 2) training. He has traveled internationally with Steve, assisting at seminars on everything from kettlebell training to joint mobility to breathwork. Scott was the head instructor and head strength & conditioning coach at The Fight Gym, a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu school and fitness facility located outside Cleveland, Ohio, for over a decade. Scott is the author of the novels Bummed Out City and We Will Rid the World of You, and the essay collection Superhero Simplified: Collected, Selected, Revised and Expanded. He is also the author of the training manual Get a Grip: A Practical Primer on Grip Strength and Endurance Training... and More. His short stories and novel excerpts have appeared Metonym, Mildred, The Decades Review, and elsewhere. His nonfiction has been published in Climbing and Urban Climber magazines. Scott is the 2002 winner of the Ebey Prize for novella-length fiction and was a finalist for the 2004 Reville Prize in short fiction. He is also the 2006 winner of the Geauga Park District Foundation Nature Writing Contest, and was a finalist for the Gordon Square Review's inaugural contest for Northeast Ohio writers (2017). His novel Bummed Out City was one of Library Journal's most-read books for 2015. Scott is currently head of design for Hold Fast Grip Tech, where he is refining and improving the training gadgets he dreamed up and developed over his years as the head strength & conditioning coach at The Fight Gym. Visit HoldFastGripTech.com to learn more. If you are interested in training with Scott, or would like to inquire about hosting a seminar with Scott at your facility, contact information may be found at www.EnclaveJiuJitsu.com.